Kering watch sales lag in challenging market; Abu Dhabi International Airport up by 6.6% increase in travellers in first half of 2016; Dubai International Airport handles 40.5m passengers in first hal

Market News

Kering watch sales lag in challenging market

The first half year revenue of Kering’s jewelry brands outperformed watches while revenue from timepieces declined in a challenging market environment. The total sales of the watch and jewelry divisions fell to 4.4% compared with the same period last year to an estimated EUR 349 million. Revenue increased in each of the group’s luxury categories except timepieces.

Kering group incorporates the following brands Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, Pomellato and Ulysse Nardin.

Abu Dhabi International Airport up by 6.6% increase in travellers in first half of 2016

Abu Dhabi International, the base of Etihad Airways, is continuing to see an increase in passengers with more than 11.8 million passing through the airport in the first half of the year.

The airport, which is currently undergoing a major expansion, handled 736,782 more passengers between January 1 and June 30 this year compared with a year ago, state operator Abu Dhabi Airports said recently.

Dubai International Airport handles 40.5m passengers in first half of 2016

Dubai International recorded a 5.8 per cent increase in half-year passenger numbers but a dip in June monthly traffic due to Ramadan coinciding with a traditionally slow period, operator Dubai Airports said recently.

The airport, which is the busiest in the world for international passenger traffic, handled 40.5 million passengers in the six months to June 30 compared to 38.29 million in the same period a year earlier.

UAE private sector growth accelerates to ten-month high in July

The UAE’s non-oil private sector economy started the second half of 2016 on a strong note, with the Emirates NBD Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to a ten-month high.

Sharp expansions of output and new work helped the sector to gather momentum, alongside quicker rises in purchasing activity and employment. Notably, the rate of job creation was the fastest in over a year.

The headline index reading came in at 55.3, compared to 53.4 in June, and is now above the long-run series average of 54.5.

Dubai Customs seize counterfeits watches and other items worth Dh38.4 million H1 2016

During the first half of 2016, a total of 95 seizures of fake products were carried out by Customs inspectors.

The reported Dh38.4 million worth of seized goods included fake watches, sunglasses, electronics, auto spare parts, textile, bags and footwear.

“Dubai Customs is committed to protecting consumers from the health and environmental risks of counterfeits and stands firmly against all attempts to violate intellectual property rights. We deploy advanced technologies in inspection, and offer constant support to our staff’s brainchildren which make inspection procedures more streamlined and faster,” said Saeed Al Tayer, Executive Director of Policies and Legislation Division at Dubai Customs.

“Dubai Customs works closely with other government agencies as well as the private sector to crack down on counterfeiting, thus, ensure investors can optimise their returns from selecting Dubai as home for their operations,” added Al Tayer.

Moreover, the IPR Department in Dubai Customs is organising awareness workshops for cruise travellers to educate them on intellectual property rights and the risks of using counterfeits.

UAE to make up 90% of region’s leisure tourism market by 2020

The UAE is expected to account for 90 per cent of the leisure tourism market in the Middle East by 2020, according to a report published by Team Leisure, a Dubai-based consultancy specialised in the leisure industry.

The UAE will see the opening of up to 15 leisure attractions in 2016, said Phil Taylor, director at Team Leisure.

Company News

A. Lange & Söhne embarked on a journey to Iceland

A. Lange & Söhne with three of its most spectacular models, embarked on a journey to Iceland for a first-hand encounter with one of Mother Nature’s most fascinating extravaganzas. For A. Lange & Söhne’s three luminous models, this is the ideal setting to showcase the spectacular contrast between light and darkness.

The trio of fascinating light virtuosos that accompanied the Nordic expedition earlier this year included the GRAND LANGE 1 MOON PHASE “Lumen”, which was first presented in January 2016. In addition to the ZEITWERK “Luminous” and the GRAND LANGE 1 “Lumen”, it is the third A. Lange & Söhne model with a semi-transparent sapphire-crystal dial.

Mouawad re-opens its boutique at Le Royal Hotel in Amman, Jordan

The latest addition to Amman, Jordan’s luxury shopping landscape is the new, ultra-sleek Mouawad boutique, recently reopened at Le Royal Hotel, under the patronage of HE Mr. Ahmed, and in the presence of Mr. Pascal Mouawad.

de GRISOGONO - Emeralds and Rubies at the Dubai Mall

de GRISOGONO’s latest creations is available in Dubai shine in vivid shades of greens and reds. Currently, emeralds and rubies take center stage in the brand's new Dubai Mall Flagship Boutique, adorning amongst others novelties such as the stunning high jewelry pieces such as a unique ring and earring set featuring baguette-cut white diamonds and emeralds.

Product Launch

Jaeger-LeCoultre presents Geophysic Universal Time watch

The world map on the face of the Geophysic® Universal Time, equipped with Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 772, exercises an almost hypnotic fascination. The sea is depicted by subtly graded lacquered shades of blue, while the engraved continents are graced with a magnificent sunburst finish. The strap is alligator leather, pink gold model – pin buckle, stainless steel model – folding clasp. Both clever and functional, the Geophysic® Universal Time with its 41.6 mm case is available in steel or pink gold.

Exhibitions & Events

Dubai Watch Week announces major partners for 2016 edition

Under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Dubai Watch Week (DWW) announces its major partners for the second edition this year. Following the unprecedented success of its inaugural edition, Dubai Watch Week, organized by Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, introduces partners that will support Dubai’s vision in becoming a global cultural and educational hub in the region. The 2016 edition is organized in association with FHH and is supported by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, The Dubai Mall, Emirates Airline, Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), and Christie’s.

Celebrity News

Margot Robbie wore Cartier to the European Premiere of Suicide Squad in London, England

Margot Robbie wears Cartier - Paris Nouvelle Vague ring, rose gold, malachites, fire opals and Panthère de Cartier ring, yellow gold, black lacquer, tsavorite garnets to the European Premiere of Suicide Squad in London, England.

Michelle Obama wore Butani Earrings to an Official State Dinner

The Obamas host an Official State Dinner for the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore and his wife Ho Ching on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, DC. Michelle Obama shines with the Butani earrings.

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